Next step for Bengals' offense: consistency

More young talent around Dalton, Green

6:35 PM,
Sep. 8, 2012

Andy Dalton was the first rookie to throw for more than 20 touchdowns and lead a team to eight or more wins. A.J. Green was the first rookie wide receiver to make the Pro Bowl since Anquan Boldin in 2003.

Written by

Joe Reedy

In the first year of Jay Gruden's offense, the Bengals produced three players who made the Pro Bowl, including the first rookie quarterback/receiver combination. It was enough to draw rave reviews from throughout the league.

All in all it was a good start, but Gruden thinks the plaudits have come a bit too soon.

"A lot of people are giving us credit for the season we had and I probably think it's a little too much," Gruden said. "We left a lot of plays on the table, but we still were in position to make plays. We still have a lot of work to do, but hopefully we can all improve together." ...